Search Smart for a Home
You’ve done all the preliminary work. Now is where the fun begins: actually looking for your new home. Looking around, attending viewings and open houses can either be daunting or fun, depending on how you view it. Try to see it as a new adventure.
If you choose to buy a property directly from a “For Sale By Owner” listing, the home seller may reduce the price by the 2%-3% that would have been paid to a buyer’s agent. It’s a very good idea to protect yourself with a real estate attorney. Choose your attorney before you decide on a home to buy, because it’s too late for legal advice after you’ve already signed a contract.
Become familiar with the area where you’re considering buying in order to determine if it meets your needs (for example, near a park, shopping, public transportation, etc.) Drive around. Attend open houses. Talk to friends and colleagues. You may want to select two or three neighborhoods to broaden your options. It may also be helpful to take photos of each of the homes you’re interested in. Make personal notes on the back. This will help you stay organized and remember what you’ve seen.
You might also want to create a profile of the home you’re looking for in your next property. Example of some questions you might want to ask on your profile include:
- Goals – why are you buying a home?
- Features – what you need vs. what you want?
- Location – is it close to work, in a particular school district, near shopping, etc.?
- Style – what type of home fits your needs, lifestyle and taste?
- Lot – what is the size? What does it feature (wooded, fenced in, etc.)?
- General condition – is it in good shape?
- Neighbors – try to get an idea of what kind of neighbors you will have.
- Taxes – verify taxes and any current assessments on the home you’re considering buying.
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